Will Smith & Margot Robbie's Pre-Suicide Squad Thriller: A 56% Rotten Tomato Score

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Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Will Smith & Margot Robbie's Pre-Suicide Squad Thriller Bombs at the Box Office: A Rotten Tomatoes Massacre

Will Smith and Margot Robbie, the dynamic duo who later ignited screens as Deadshot and Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, teamed up much earlier in the critically panned 2015 film, Focus. While their on-screen chemistry proved undeniable, the film itself failed to captivate audiences and critics alike, resulting in a dismal 56% Rotten Tomatoes score – a far cry from the blockbuster success they would later achieve. What went wrong with this pre-Suicide Squad thriller? Let's dive in.

A Con Artist's Gamble That Didn't Pay Off

Focus presented a captivating premise: a seasoned con artist (Smith) takes a young, ambitious grifter (Robbie) under his wing, teaching her the tricks of the trade while navigating their own complex, romantic relationship. The film promised a thrilling ride filled with intricate heists, double-crosses, and sizzling chemistry. However, despite the star power and the intriguing plotline, the execution fell short.

Where Focus Lost Focus (Pun Intended):

• Unclear Narrative: Many critics cited the convoluted plot as a major flaw. The constant twists and turns, intended to keep viewers guessing, instead left many feeling disoriented and confused. The narrative's ambiguity overshadowed the thrilling potential of the con artist genre.
• Predictable Twists: While the film aimed for surprising twists, many viewers found them predictable and easily anticipated. This lack of genuine suspense weakened the overall impact of the storyline.
• Uneven Pacing: The film struggled with pacing, with some scenes dragging while others felt rushed. This uneven rhythm disrupted the flow of the narrative and hindered the audience's engagement.
• Underwhelming Supporting Cast: While Smith and Robbie delivered compelling performances, the supporting cast failed to make a significant impact, leaving the central duo carrying the weight of the entire film.

The Rotten Tomatoes Verdict and Box Office Performance:

The 56% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects the film's critical shortcomings. While some praised the performances and the stylish direction, the overall consensus pointed towards a lackluster plot and confusing execution. This critical reception translated to a relatively underwhelming box office performance, considering the star power involved. The film earned a respectable but not spectacular global gross, failing to meet expectations for a film starring two of Hollywood's biggest names.

A Lesson Learned?

Focus serves as a reminder that even a compelling premise and talented actors cannot guarantee success. The film's failure highlights the importance of a well-structured narrative, engaging pacing, and a strong supporting cast in creating a truly captivating cinematic experience. While it may not be remembered as one of their best works, Focus certainly paved the way for Smith and Robbie's later, much more successful collaboration in Suicide Squad. The film serves as a cautionary tale in Hollywood – a testament to the fact that even with A-list talent, a poorly executed script can lead to a box office and critical bomb.

Keywords: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Focus, Suicide Squad, Rotten Tomatoes, Box Office, Movie Review, Film Review, Con Artist, Thriller, 2015 Movies, Hollywood Movies, Critical Failure, Box Office Flop.